For Immediate Release: March 29, 2019
Contact: Ryan Hite, Communications Director
Washington, D.C.: The Violence Against Women Act legislative reauthorization that is working its way through Congress now is poised to jeopardize many Constitutional rights. With provisions that would confiscate guns from citizens over misdemeanors and increase internet communication surveillance, this package has raised opposition from many First and Second Amendment watchdog groups.
“Phyllis Schlafly had a long history of opposing VAWA,” said Ed Martin, president of Phyllis Schlafly Eagles. “Much like the Equal Rights Amendment, liberals use it to talk about protecting women, but in the end it does little or no good for the intended beneficiary. VAWA has acted as a funnel for billions of dollars to feminist groups who accomplish political objectives. It has ducked accountability against waste and fraud for years, and this year Congress is adding even more objectionable provisions.
“Phyllis Schlafly wrote often on this and her continuing organization will keep fighting to protect our constitutional rights and to truly help victims of domestic violence. Its political motivation is obvious even if we look no further than the crisis at our border. Countless women are abused and assaulted on migrant caravans. Gang members and human traffickers are fueled by our inability to secure our Southern Border. Meanwhile, Congress considers new ways to restrict our freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.”
Phyllis Schlafly wrote about the constitutional problems with VAWA during its reauthorization fight in 2012. That column can be found here.
John and Andy Schlafly wrote just this month about the new constitutional problems with gun and internet provisions being considered in Congress now. Read their full column here.
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